Liposuction is a popular cosmetic procedure with increasing demand in the modern world. It is not a weight loss surgery, but a fat reduction procedure. During liposuction, the subcutaneous fat layer, just under the skin, is broken down and removed from certain parts of the body. It is an ideal solution for people who want to get rid of stubborn resistant fat that doesn’t go away with diet and exercise. So, liposuction involves melting the pocket of fat that is not responsive in otherwise healthy people. With highly affordable plastic surgery price in India, a number of patients choose to go for Liposuction Surgeon, rhinoplasty, facelift and other procedures.
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What area can liposuction be used for?
Liposuction can be used to remove stubborn fat pockets from certain areas of the body. Commonly, the parts of the body where liposuction is used includes:
- Double Chin
- Bottom of Upper Arms
- Back of neck
- Breasts (Male and Female)
- Outer thighs
- Abdomen or Belly pouch
- Waist – Muffin Top and Love Handles
Less common areas where liposuction is performed include the ankles, inner thigh and upper region of the back. However, it is important to keep in mind that the optimal area will be unique for each individual as every person responds differently to diet and exercise. During the consultation, the plastic surgeon will evaluate and discuss the areas with patients where liposuction can be used.
How is the patient evaluated before the liposuction?
Suitable candidates for liposuction have stubborn fat in the subcutaneous layer, which means the fat that resides between muscle and skin (not the visceral fat – present in the layer beneath the muscle layer surrounding the abdominal organs.
Additionally, surgeons will asses the condition of a patient’s skin to determine if liposuction will give desired results. People who have good skin elasticity are known to be good candidates for liposuction, and the ones with loose skin or cellulite are not recommended liposuction, as such skin can lead to uneven or dimpled skin.
What is the amount of fat that can be removed using a liposuction technique?
As this is one of the most popular fat reduction procedure, it is necessary for the patient to have a realistic expectation. The amount of fat that can be removed with liposuction in a particular area in a single sitting will vary for different patients. It may depend on several factors, including the patient’s overall health status and aesthetic outcomes expected.
What can I do to prepare for liposuction surgery?
The plastic surgeon will provide instructions during the consultation for preparing during the days before liposuction. It is advisable to check with a friend or family member who can help you drive to and from the surgical centre. It is also good to assist with post-surgical care. Certain medications such as blood thinners may need to be stopped for some days before the procedure. In some cases, the candidate might be checked for anesthesia related risks and complications. On the day of surgery, no food or drink should be taken for some time prior to the surgery, typically about 12 hours.
What will happen during the liposuction procedure?
As liposuction is a surgical procedure, the candidate is given anaesthesia so that they feel no discomfort during the procedure. The surgeon will make small incisions on the skin and inserting an instrument called a cannula to drain the fat from the pocket. The cannula is attached to a suction device that helps such out the fat.
It is an outpatient surgery, so the patient will be able to go home the same day after the surgery.
What is the recovery like post liposuction?
The patient can resume all normal activities and exercise within 2-4 weeks or less. The timeline for recovery and post-surgical care may vary depending on the area for which surgery is performed and the amount of fat to be removed. It is important to follow all the instructions given by the Liposuction Surgeon during recovery. Patients may feel some discomfort
The common post-operative effects include some bruising, swelling and tenderness in the area where the cannula was inserted.
Should I expect scarring after the lipo procedure?
The surgery involves small incisions and cannula is a small instrument, and therefore the scars are small and almost invisible. The number of scars that a person may have depends on the number of insertion to get the fat. Scarring may also depend on the patient’s skin texture and quality. The liposuction surgeon will discuss the ways in which they can help minimize the scarring.
What should be a healthy expectation for the outcome of the procedure?
You should discuss your expectations from the outcome of the procedure with the liposuction surgeons. As there will be some swelling after the procedure, it can take several weeks to months to see the full effects of the results of the procedure. There is a permanent removal of fat cells in liposuction, but patients may still have some new fat cells. So, it is advisable to follow a healthy diet, lifestyle and exercise plan after the procedure to prevent fat gain.
